Mining machine



Dec. 24, 1929. E 1,741,129

MINING MACHINE Original Filed Jan. 13. 1922 2 Sheet$Sheet l M. P. HOLMES Dec. 24, 1929.

MINING MACHINE Original Filed Jan. 1s. 2 SheetS-Sheet 2 Fatented Dem-24, 1929 I l Uhillihllh STEATES PATENT OFFICE IvIGRRIS P. HOLMES, 03? OLAREMONT, NEW HA'IVZPSHIRE, ASSIGNOR TO SULLIVAN MACHINERY GOMPANY, A COBEORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS MENIN G MACHINE Application filed January 13, 182-2, Serial No, 529,068. Renewed June 3, 1929.

My invention relates to mining machines. This cutter chain driving sprocket 5 is here- It has for its object to provide an improved in driven, through connections hereinafter mining machine, and, more particularly to described, from a suitable motor 6 carried-on provide an improved feeding mechanism for the frame, herein a longitudinally disposed 5 such a machine, whereby the feeding Oper horizontal electric motor-carried on the front at-ion is facilitated and the feeding mechaend of the frame. As shown, the-frame also nismissimplified and rendered more flexible carries feed operating and controlling mechat the same time that the cost of the same is anism in the form of controlling and. feedmaterially reduced. A further object of my ing drums 7 and 8 adapted to cooperate with n invention is to provide improved lateral flexible feeding portions 9 and 10, herein in feeding mechanism and one which is equally the form of separate cables wound on the adaptedto feed to the right or left. These drums, and driving connections between the and other objects and advantages of my imdrums and the motor, hereinafter described, provement will, however, hereinafter more whereby when the flexible feeding portions fully appear. are extended from the drums to the right and 65 Although it should be understood that cerleft hand ribs in the mine and suitable guidtain features of my invention if desired may mg mechanism, in the form of sheaves 11 be utilized in connection with other types or and 12, is provided at the diagonally oppomachines than that shown for illustrative site corners of the frame, means are pro purposes, I have shown in the accompanying vided to direct the cutting mechanism later- 7 drawings, one embodiment which my invenally across a mine face. tion may assume in practice, illustrating the Referring more particularly to this consame as applied to a mining machine of the struction it will be observed that they rear room-and-pillar type. end of armature shaft of the motor 6 car- In these drawings ries a bevel pinion 13 meshing with a larger Fig 1 is a plan view of a machine embodybevel gear 14 carried on an upright shaft ing the illustrative form of the invention, 15 suitably journaled at 16 on bearings on showing the same applied to a cable propelled the frame 1, and that this shaft 15 carries on machine utilizing aplurality of cables, porits lower end a spur pinion 17 meshing with tions of the casingbeing broken away and cera larger spur gear 18 which is as usual. op- SO tain parts of the mechanism being shown in eratively connected through suitable clutch longitudinal section, to facilitate illustration. mechanism (not shown)v to the cutter chain 2 is a side elevation the machine driving sprocket 5. Obviously through the shown in Fig.1, certain parts also being simidriving train just described the cutter chain larly broken away or shown in section to 1 may be driven by the motor whenever it is facilitate illustration. desired and, through the reduction gearing 3 is a diagrammat c plan view showprovided, driven at the desired cutter chain ing. the machine of Figures 1 and 2 in differ speed, although it will be understood that ent positions during its cutting operations. through modification of the drive train the In these figures it will be obs-rved that speed of the cutter chain drive may be vathe mining machine comprises machine ried if desired. frame 1 slidable on its bottom 2 on the mine Operatively connected to the gear 18 and bottom, and carrying a cutter bar 3 which as rotatable thereby is a train of mechanism usual in a room-and-pillar machine projects driving the feeding mechanism. As shown, in a horizontal plane from the front end of this mechanism includes an upright shaft. 19 the machine and carries a cutter chain 4t suitably journaled as at 20 on the frame 1 movable about the bar by means of a cu er and carrying on its upper end a bevel pinion chain driving sprocket 5 carried on the frame 21 which in turn meshes with a larger bevel 1 and herein disposed beneath the same 22 carried on a longitudinally disposed shaft a point slightly nearer the rear end thereof. 23. Herein the gear 22 is adapted to be connected to the shaft 23 through a friction clutch 24 having one element 25 fixed to the shaft as at 26 and the other element movable longitudinally of the shaft and pressed into and out of driving relation with its fellow by means of a clutch shipper 28 controlled by a suitable controlling member 29, herein on the upper surface of the frame 1. As shown, this shaft 23 is suitably journaled in bearings 30 on the frame and carries near its rear end a Worm 31 which meshes with a worm gear 32 disposed on a transverse axis beneath the worm and carrying within a casing 33 a usual differential mechanism including rotatable bevel pinions 34, 35 rotatable about intersecting axes and cooperating larger pinions 36, 37 coaxial with the worm gear and meshing with the pinions 34, 35 in a usual manner. As shown the differential casing 33 is journaled in suitable bearings 38, 39 carried on the frame and the gears 36 and 37 are fixed to the ends of transversely disposed oppositely extending feed driving shafts 40 and 41, herein through being carried on portions of polygonal section 42, 43 formed near the adjacent ends of said shafts, while the shafts carry on their adjacent ends cooperating abutting portions 44, 45 of reduced cross section which herein extend through the usual yoke 46 on which the pinions 34 and 35 are rotatably mounted.

From the differential, connection is made to each of the controlling and feeding drums 7 and 8. As shown, the outer end of the shaft 41 is journaled on the frame 1 as at 47 and connected to the feed drum 8 by a pinion 48 on the free end of the shaft which extends beyond the frame 1 and there meshes with an internal gear 49 carried on the drum, the drive connection herein being made to the drum at a point in rear of the drum bearing 50, while the rotation of the shaft is controlled by a friction member 51 fixed at 52 to the shaft and adapted to have its rotation controlled by a brake band 53 of usual form controllable by a controlling member 54 operable from the rear end of the frame. The other shaft 40 is similarly journaled at 55 and connected to the controlling drum 7 through a spur pinion 56 and an internal gear 57 and is similarly controlled through a friction member 58 fixed at 59 to the shaft and having its rotation controlled by a brake band 60, in turn controllable through a controlling member 61, likewise operable from the rear end of the frame. By this mechanism it will be observed that it is possible to drive both of the drums 7 8 at a slow or cutting speed, power being normally transmitted to both drums in the usual manner. Further, the rotation of either of the drums and the resultant operation of the differential is controllable at will through control of the controlling members 54 and 61.

I have found that in lieu of the friction members 51' and 58, the peripheries of the drums 7 and 8 may be utilized as friction members if desired, the same being provided as at 51 and 58 with friction surfaces and having cooperating brake bands 53 and 60 operable by controlling members 54 and 61. Such a construction simplifies a machine of the character so far described and provides an excellent friction device.

Cooperating with this mechanism is also improved mechanism for driving the shafts 40 and 41 at a higher speed. This mechanism 1616111 drives the shaft 23 and is connected between the same and the armature shaft, the same including a spur pinion 62 on that shaft in front of bevel pinion 13, which pinion 62 in turn meshes with a larger spur pinion 63 carried on an independent stub shaft 64, herein disposed above the motor armature and in alinement with the shaft 23. As shown, one end of this shaft 64 is carried by the motor casing and the other end keyed as at 65 to a sleeve 66 on one member 67 of a friction clutch 68, the other member 69 of which is keyed as at 70 to the end of the shaft 23 and is adapted to be forced into clutching relation with its fellow by means of the clutch shipper 28. It will also be noted that the two shafts 64 and 23 abut one against the other in a suitable manner, a reduced portion 71 on the shaft 23 being rotatable in a bore or bearing 72 in the adjacent end of the shaft 64. By this mechanism it will be observed that it is possible, whenever desired, to drive the shaft 23 directly from the motor and at a relatively high speed by connecting the clutch 68 and that this connection automatically disconnects the clutch 24 so that the slow speed feed train connected to the bevel gear 21 is rendered automatically inoperative. Similarly it will be observed that when the member 28 is operated to connect the clutch 24 and thereby throw in the slow speed train, the clutch 68 will be released in such a manner as automatically to disconnect the high speed feed train including the gears 62, 63.

In the operation of my improved mechanism above described it will be observed that it is possible to drive the feeding mechanism through the difierential and thereby to rotate both the drums 7 and 8 at the same speed if desired, the feed drum 8 then acting to draw in the advance flexible feeding member 10 at the same rate that the controlling drum 7 acts to pay out the flexible feeding member 9 on the receding side of the frame. It will also be observed that the differential mechanism will act to drive these drums at different speeds in accordance with the speeds of the shafts 40, 41, so that when l needed the drum 8, for example, may rotate faster than the drum 7, or vice versa. Thus. through the controlling brake bands 53, 60 it is possible to vary the efiiect of the feed as desired, an application of the brake band in causing-the speed of the shaft 40 to be reduced and thereby causing an increase in speed of the shaft 41, while the application of the brake band 53 causes the speed or" the shaft 41 to be reduced and thereby causes trol by the brake bands, will apply equally as well when the machine is driven at a slow or cutting speed through the train including the bevel pinion 21 as when the machine is driven through the fast feed including the gears62, 68. It will also be observed that through the frictions 2% and (38 breakage of either mechanism is prevented at the same time that the operator is enabled through slipping of these frictions to vary the control if desired. Attention is also directed to the fact that with my improved mechanism the machine may be sumned into the face, moved transversely thereof, and withdrawn at the opposite rib without interrupting its movement. It will also be noted that by reversing the sheaves 11 and 12, with or without their supports, or by pr viding a second set of guide sheaves 11, 12 disposed at the corners of the frame unoccupied by the sheaves 11 and 12 heretofore described, the machine may be readily adapted at any time to out either to the right or to the left, i. e. from the right hand rib to the left hand rib, or from the left hand rib to the right hand rib as desired, either of the drums and 8 thru my improved mechanism being equally adapted to use as a feed operating member or as a controlling member. It will of course be obvious that when the front guide sheave 12 is to be used when the cable 9 passes over the top of the drum 7, the sheave will be disposed at a suitable angle to receive the cable.

Attention is directed to the fact that as a result of my i nproved mechanism an intermediate feed is provided which is adapt ed to use in sumping, this feed being obtainet by tightening one of the members 53, 60 so as to hold its shaft still and letting all of the rotation be taken on the other shaft which will then rotate at twice its normal speed and thereby provide a feed intermediate the slow and fast feed and especially adapted for use in sumping. It should also be observed that through the use of my improved construction, automatic compensat ing mechanism is provided during angl ng the machine, as for instance, when angling in a cut, the differential mechanism operating when one feed is increased, as for instance, when the speed of rotation of the controlling drum 7 is increased, automatically to reduce the other feed, as for instance the forward feed, and thereby, as distinguished from the forward feed, continuing to feed the bar forward while the takeup is operating, automatically cutting down the feed of the bar in proportion to the increased speed of tl e controlling drum 7.

As a result of my improvement it will also be observed that not only is the feeding mechanism materially simplified and cheapened but at the same time the same is rendered fool-proof so that itmay not be damaged by even the most ignorant operator. It should also be observed that these results are obtained without any necessity for operating a plurality of clutches in a predetermined sequence which must be maintained in order to prevent breakage, the only clutch in my improved machine being capable of beingoperated atany time without damage to the ma chine while the friction bands may be similarly operated either alone or in combination with the clutch.

lVhile I have in this application specifically described one form which my invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that, while this form has been chosen for purposes of illustration, the invention may be modified and used in different forms or applied to machines of different types without departing from the spirit of the invent-ion and that it is my intent to include these other embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

W'hat I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom during cutting comprising a frame, cutting mechanism supported thereby including a cutter bar projecting from said frame in fixed angular relation thereto whereby the angle of said cutting mechanism to the working face is determined by the angle of said frame to the face, a motor, and means operated thereby for effecting bodily lateral feeding movement of said machine and determining the angle of the machine including advance and receding flexible feeding portions disposable laterally in opposite directions from points adjacent the opposite ends of the frame and controlling means therefor including relative rotatable feed operating and controlling members cooperating one with each of said portions, differential gearing operatively connected to said members for effecting simultaneous rotation thereof at equal rates in the same direction,

and driving connections between said motor and said differential gearing.

2. The combination with a mining machine, of a controlling member adapted to cooperate directly with a flexible feeding ele ment in controlling machine movement, a motor, a differential operatively connected with the motor and having a plurality of master gears and a common gear meshing therewith, and a driving connection between the differential and the controlling member whereby the speed of the latter may be varied while the motor speed remains constant.

3. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom during cutting comprising a frame, cutting mechanism supported thereby includ ing a cutter bar projecting from said frame in fixed angular relation thereto whereby the angle ofsaid cutting mechanism to the work ing face is determined by the angle of said frame to the face, a motor, and means operated thereby for effecting bodily lateral feeding movement of said machine and determining the angle of the machine including advance and receding flexible feeding portions disposable laterally in opposite directions from points adjacent the opposite ends of the frame and a plurality or relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members cooperating respectively therewith, and driv ing mechanism therefor including a differential having corresponding elements operatively connected to the feed operating and controlling members.

4. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom during cutting comprising a frame, cutting mechanism supported thereby including a cutter bar projecting from said frame in fixed angular relation thereto whereby the angle of said cuttingmechanism to the working face is determined by the angle of said frame to the face, a motor, and means operated thereby for effecting bodily lateral feeding movement of said machine and determining the angle of the machine including advance and receding exible feeding portions disposable laterally in opposite directions from points adjacent the opposite ends of the frame, a differential, relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members connected to different elements of said differential and respectively operatively connected to said portions, and means controlling the retation of said members.

5. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom during cutting comprising a frame, cutting mechanism supported thereby including a cutter bar projecting from said frame in fixed angular relation thereto whereby the angle of said cutting mechanism to the working face is determined by the angle of said frame to the face, a motor, and means operated thereby for effecting bodily lateral feeding movement of said machine and determin ing the angle of the machine including advance and receding flexible feeding portions disposable laterally in opposite directions from points adjacent the opposite ends of the frame, a differential, relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members connected to different elements of said differential and respectively operatively connected to said portions, and means for retarding either of said members.

6. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom during cutting comprising a frame, cutting mechanism supported thereby including a cutter bar projecting from said frame in fixed angular relation thereto whereby the angle of said cutting mechanism to the working face is determined by the angle of said frame to the face, a motor, and means operated thereby for effecting bodily lateral feeding movement of said machine and determining the angle of the machine including advance and receding flexible feeding portions disposable laterally in opposite directions from points adjacent the opposite ends of the frame, a differential, a plurality of shafts connected to different elements of the latter, and relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members driven one by each of said shafts and respectively cooperating with said portions.

7. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom during cutting comprising a frame, cutting mechanism supported thereby including a cutter bar projecting from said frame in fixed angular relation thereto whereby the angle of said cutting mechanism to the working face is determined by the angle of said frame to the face, a motor, and means operated thereby for effecting bodily lateral feeding movement of said machine and determining the angle of the machine including advance and receding flexible feeding portions disposable laterally in opposite directions from points adjacent the opposite ends of the frame, a differential, a plurality of shafts connected to different elements of the latter, relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members driven one by each ofsaid shafts and respectively cooperating with said portions, and means controlling the rotation of said shafts.

8. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom during cutting comprising a frame, cutting mechanism supported thereby includ ing a cutter bar projecting from said frame in fixed angular relation thereto whereby the angle of said cutting mechanism to the working face is determined by the angle of said frame to the face, a motor, and means operated thereby for effecting bodily lateral feeding movement of said machine and determining the angle of the machine including advance and receding flexible feeding portions disposable laterally in opposite directions from points adjacent the opposite ends of the frame, relatively rota-table feed operating and controlling members respectively cooperating directly with said portions and operating mechanism therefor including a differential, and means for bodily driving said differential at a plurality of speeds while said motor speed remains constant.

9. A mining machine slidable on a mine .bottom during cutting comprising a frame, cutting mechanism'supported thereby includinga cutter bar projecting from said frame in fixedangular relationvthereto whereby the angle of said cutti g mecham to'the worlr- .ing face d by the angle-of said r. deteri; i re frame to the face, a motor, and meansoper- .ated-thereby for eifectingbodily lateral feedcutting mechanism supported therebyincluding a cutter bar PIOJGCtlHg from-said frame in fixed'angular:relation-thereto whereby the angle of said cuttinjgmechanism .tothe working face is-determined by theangle of said frame tothe face, L:'D10.tOl',= tnCl means operated-thereby for efiectingbodilylateral feed- 1 ingzmovement ofzsaid machine and determining the :angle of the machine including advance and ircceding flexible feeding portions disposable laterally in opposite directions 'from pointszadjaceirt the opposite ends ofthe e frame, relatively rotatable feed operating andcontrolling-members respectively cooperating directly with: said portions andoperating mechanism:therefordncluding a differential, and means for driving'said difierentlal at a plurality ofespeeds includmg aplurality of driving trains and :a clutch mechanism opei'ativeitorconnect onetrain and disconnect the other.

11. A minin machine slidable on'a mine bottom during'cuttingcomprising a frame, cutting mechanism supported thereby'including a cutter barprqectmgfromsaid frame infixed angular relation thereto whereby the angle of sa-i d cuttingmechanismtothe working face is:determined'by'the angle of said frame to the face,a'motor,.and means operated thereby for effecting bodily lateral feed ing movement of saidmachine-and determiningthe angle of the machine including ad- :vance and receding flexible feeding ,portions anism operative to connect or control either train.

12. A mining machine slidable on amine bottom during cutting comprising a frame, cutting mechanism supported thereby includa cutter bar projecting from said frame in fixed angular relation thereto whereby the angle of said cutting mechanism to the working face is determined by the angle of said frame to the face, a motor, and means operated thereby for effecting bodily lateral feeding movement of said machine and determining the angle of the machine including advance and receding flexible feeding portions disposable laterally in opposite directions from points adjacent the opposite ends of the frame, relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members respectively cooperating directly with said portions and operating mechanism therefor including a difi'erential connected to said feed operating means, and frictional means controlling the rotation of said feed operating means.

13. The combination with a mining machine, of cutting mechanism, feedioperating mechanism including relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members together controlling the rate of feed and the direction of said machine as a whole and means for rotating said members-either simultaneously at speeds which vary in inverse ratio, or separately, including a differential, and means for driving said differential at different speeds including a train driven from said cutting mechanism and a train independent of said-cutting mechanism.

14. The combination with a mining machine, of cutting mechanism, feed operating mechanism including relatii ely rotatable feed operating and controlling members to gether controlling the rate of feed and-the direction of said machine as a whole and means for rotating said members either simultaneously at speeds which vary in inverse ratio, or separately, including a differential, and means for driving said differential at different speeds including a train drivenfrom said cutting mechanism and a high speed train independent of said cutting mechanism.

15. The combination with a mining machine, of cutting mechanism, feed operating mechanism including relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members together controlling the rate of feed and the direction of said machine as a whole and means for rotating said members either simultaneously at speeds which vary in inverse ratio, or separately, including a differential, and means for driving said differential at different speeds including a train driven from said cutting mechanism and a high speed train independent of said cutting mechanism and a friction mechanism controlling both trains.

16. A mining machine slidable on amine bottom during cutting comprising a frame, cutting mechanism supported thereby including a cutter bar projecting from said frame in fixed angular relation thereto whereby the angle of said cutting mechanism to the working face is determined by the angle of said frame to the face, a motor, and means operated thereby for effecting bodily lateral feeding movement of said machine and determining the angle of the machine including advance and receding flexible feeding portions disposable laterally in opposite directions from points adjacent the opposite ends of the frame and feed operating and controlling means cooperating with said portions including a differential, worm and worm gearing driving mechanism therefor operable by said motor, and means for rotating said worm at different speeds. while said motor speed remains constant.

e 17 A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom during cutting comprising a frame, cutting mechanism supported thereby including a cutter bar projecting from said frame in fixed angular relation thereto whereby the angle of said cutting mechanism to the working face is determined by the angle of said frame to the face, a motor, and means operated thereby for effecting bodily lateral feeding movement of said machine and determining the angle of the machine including advance and receding flexible feeding portions disposable laterally in opposite directions from points adjacent the opposite ends of the frame and feed operating and controlling means cooperating with said portions including a differential, worm and worm gearing driving mechanism therefore operable by said motor, and means for rotating said worm at different speeds including a plurality of drive trains.

18. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom during cutting comprising a frame, cutting mechanism supported thereby including a cutter bar projecting from said frame in fixed angular relation thereto whereby the angle of said cutting mechanism to the working face is determined by the angle of said frame to the face,'a motor, and means operated thereby for effecting bodily lateral feeding movement of said machine and determining the angle of the machine including advance and receding flexible feeding portions disposable laterally in opposite directions from points adjacent the opposite ends of the frame, relatively rotatable feed operating and controllin members on opposite sides of said frame cooperating with said portions, driving mechanism therefor including a differential, oppositely disposed shafts connected to the latter and to said members, and means for controlling the rotation of said feed operating and controlling members.

19. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom during cutting comprising a frame,

cutting mechanism supported thereby including a cutter bar projecting from said frame in fixed angular relation thereto whereby the angle of said cutting mechanism to the working face is determined by the angle of said-- frame to the face, a motor, and means operated thereby for effecting bodily lateral feeding movement of said machine and determining the angle of the machine including advance and receding flexible feeding portions disposable laterally in opposite directions from points adjacent the opposite ends of the frame, relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members on opposite sides of said frame cooperating with said portions, driving mechanism therefor including a differential, oppositely disposed shafts connected to the latter and to said members, and independently operable friction means for controlling the rotation of said shafts.

20. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom during cutting comprising a frame, cutting mechanism supported thereby including a cutter bar projecting from said frame in fixed angular relation thereto whereby the angle of said cutting mechanism to the working face is determined by the angle of said frame to'the face, a motor, and means operated thereby for effecting bodily lateral feeding movement of said machine and determining the angle of the machine including advance and receding flexible feeding portions disposable laterally in opposite directions from points adjacent the opposite ends of the frame, a feed operating member and a relatively rotatable controlling member cooperating with said portions, and means whereby during concurrent operation the former may be retarded while the speed of the latter is correspondingly increased.

'21. A mining machine slidable on a nine bottom during cutting comprising a frame, cutting mechanism supported thereby including a cutter bar projecting from said frame in fixed angular relation thereto whereby the angle of said cutting mechanism to the work ing face is determined by the angle of said frame to the face, a motor, and means operated thereby for effecting bodily lateral feeding movement of said machine and determining the angle of the machine including advance and receding flexible feeding portions disposable laterally in opposite directions from points adjacent the opposite ends of the frame, relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members cooperating with said port-ions, and means for driving the same whereby the speeds may vary in inverse proportion.

22. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom during cutting comprising a frame, cutting mechanism supported thereby including a cutter bar projecting from said frame in fixed angular relation thereto whereby the angle of said cutting mechanism to the working face is determined by the angle of said frame to the face, a motor, and means operated thereby for efieoting bodily lateral feeding movement of said machine and determin ing the angle of the machine including advance and receding lexible feeding portions disposable laterally in opposite directions from points adjacent the opposite ends of the frame, a feed operating member and a relatively rotatable controlling member cooperating with said portions, and means automatically operative upon retardation of one member to increase the speed of operation of the other.

23. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom during cutting comprising a frame, cutting mechanism supported thereby including a cutter bar projecting from said frame in fixed angular relation thereto whereby the angle of said cutting mechanism to the worl-: ing face is determined by the angle of said frame to the face, a motor, and means operated thereby for effecting bodily lateral feeding movement of said machine and determining the angle of the machine including advance and receding flexible feeding portions disposable laterally in opposite directions from points adjacent the opposite ends of the frame, a feed operating member and a relatively rotatable controlling member cooperating with said portions, and means automatically operative upon retardation of either member to increase the speed of the other.

24-. A mining machine slid-able on a mine bottom during cut-ting comprising a frame, cutting mechanism supported thereby including a cutter bar projecting from said frame in fined angular relation thereto whereby the angle of said cutting mechanism to the working face is determined by the angle of said frame to the face, a motor, and means operated thereby for effecting bodily lateral feet ing movement of said machine and determining the angle of the machine includiz 3' advance and receding flexible feeding poi trons disposable laterally in opposite directions from points adjacent the opposite ends of the frame, a feed operating member and a rela tively rotatable controlling m mber cooperat ing with said port-ions, and means automatically operative upon an increase in speed of said controlling member to decrease the speed of said feed operating member.

25. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom during cutting comprising a frame, cutting mechanism supported thereby including a cutter bar projecting from said frame in fixed angular relation thereto whereby the angle of said cutting mechanism to the working face is determined by the angle of said frame to the face, a motor, and means operated thereby for effecting bodily lateral feeding movement of said machine and determining the angle of the machine includiling momcooperating with said portions, and means automatically operative upon an inreas in speed either men N31 to decrease mechanism, of a feed chine ha cut operating member therefor adapted to cooperate with flexible means extending in advance of the machine in effecting lateral feeding during the on ting operation, worm gear- 5 ing for dri *ing the same, and a plurality of independently operable friction mea is adaptcd to control rotation of said member.

2?. The combination with a mining machine, of a eed operating member adapted to cooperate with flexible means in effecting lateral feeding, means for driving the same including worm gearing, and a plurality of independently operable friction controlled means each adaptec to effect a different s eed. of said feed operating member.

lhe combination with a mining machine, of a feed operating member adhpted to cooperate with fiexi. le means in efiecting lateral fecdin means for (him including worm garing, and a plurality of independently operable friction controlled means disposed on opposite sides of said worm gearing for controlling said member.

29. The combination with a mining ma chine, of a. plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating and cornrolling members adapted to cooperate with flexible means in effecting latera feeding, driving mechanism therefor inclut ing worm g aring, and a plurality of fric ion controlled means eac adapted to control both of sair. feed operating and controlling members.

30. The combination with a mining machine having cutting mechanism, of f ed operating member adapted to cooperat i flGIZlrOlG means exte dine in advance machine in effecting late or eding the c itting operation, driving nism therefor including a plurality of arallel shafts, worm gearing lriven thereby and operatively connected to said feed operating member, and a plural ty of friction conthe driving' controlled means disposed 'iecn said worm gearing and feed nections bet operating member.

31. The combination with a mininchine, a feed opera" to cooperate directly and til'lVlllQ mecne y parallel shafts, 1- one of said shafts throu ion with a mining ma-g 115; the sam trolled means disposed between said vertical shafts and feed operating member.

32. The combination with a mining machine, of a plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members rotatable about horizontal axes extending in the same general directions and each adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, separate shafts associated with each of said members and whose axes also extend in the same directions as the axes of said members, driving mechanism for said members including worm gearing associated with said shafts at substantially the ends thereof, and a plurality of frictionally controlled means associated with said shafts and disposed between the worm gearing and said members.

33. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, a motor carried thereby, and feeding mechanism driven by said motor including a plural speed transmission mechanism including coaxial gears rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine, a clutch member coaxial with said gears and movable horizontally in opposite directions to effect different speeds, and single terminal element through which all speeds are transmitted arranged coaxially with said gears, and a plurality of relatiie rotatable feed operating and controlling members driven by said transmission mechanism through said gears and each adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means.

PA. in a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, a motor carried thereby, and feeding mechanism driven by said motor including a plural speed transmission mechanism frictionally controlled each of its speeds and including coaxial gears rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine, a clutclrmember coaxial with said gears and movable horizontally in opposite directions to effect different speeds, and a single terminal element through which all speeds are transmitted arranged coaxially with said gears, and a plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members driven by said transmission mechanism through said gears and each adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means.

35. In a mining machine, a motor, and machine feeding mechanism including plural speed transmission mechanism including coaxial gears rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine, a clutch member coaxial with said gears and movable horizontally in opposite directions to eifect different speeds, and a single terminal element through which all speeds are transmitted arranged coaxially with said gears, a feed operating member driven by said transmission mechanism and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and a planetary driving connection for said feed operating member driven by said transmission mechanism. i

In a mining machine, a motor, and machine feeding mechanism including plural speed transmission mechanism frictionally controlled all of its speeds including coaxial gears rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine, a clutch men ber coaxial with said gears and movable horizontally in opposite directions to effect different speeds, and single terminal element through which all speeds are tr nsmitt'ed arranged coaxially wi h said a feed operating member driven by slid transmission mechanism and adap to cooperate directly with flexibl feeding means, and a planetary driving connection for said feed operating member driven by said ransmission mechanism.

37. in a mining machine, the combination 'icluding flexible feeding means including a plurality of flexible feeding portions extending opposiee v laterally from the opposite ends of a machine during cutting across a face, rotatable members operatively engaging said portions, and mechanism for controlling the rotation of said members including a plurality of coaxial elements, a plurality of which provide coaxial portions and another of which provides orbitally movin means which const'tutes a connecting mean? between one of said coaxial elements and one of said members, distinct operative connections between another of said coaxial elements and another of said members, and a power connection with the third coaxial ment.

88. in a mining machine, the combination including flexible feeding means includin a plurality of flexible feeding portions exteiidmg oppositely laterally from the opposite ends of a machine during cutting abfoss a face, rotatable members operatively en 'a 111g said portions, and mechanism for 301itrollmg the rotation of said members includng a plurality of coaxial elements, a plurality of which provide coaxial portions and another of which provides orbitally HIOVlH means which constitutes connecting 111321212 between said coaxial. portions, operative connections between one of said coaxial elements and one of said members, distinct operative connections between ano her of said coaxial elements and another of said members, means for retarding the rotation of one of said last mentioned coaxial elements, and a power connection with th third coaxial element.

39 n a mining i'nachine, the combination incluo. t; fl le feeding means including a plurality of flexible feedin portions extending oppositely laterally from the opposite ends of a machine during cutting across a face, rotatable members operatively engaging said portions, and inechai'iisni for controlling elethe rotation of said members including a plurality of coaxial elements, a plurality of which provide coaxial portions and another of which provides orbitally moving means which constitutes a connecting means between said coaxial portions, operative connections between one of said coaxial elements and one of said members, distinct operative connections between another of said coaxial elements and another of said members, means for retarding the rotation of either of said two last mentioned coaxial elements, and a power connection with the third coaxial element.

40. In a mining machine, the combination including flexible feeding means including a plurality of flexible feeding portions extending oppositely laterally from the opposite ends of a machine during cutting across a face, rotatable members operatively engaging said portions, and mechanism for controlling the rotation of said members includ ing a plurality of coaxial elements, a plurality of vhich provide coaxial portions and another of which provides orbitally moving means which constitutes a connecting means between said coaxial portions, operative connections between one of said coaxial elements and one of said members, distinct operative connections between another of said coaxial elements and another of said members, and a reversible power connection with the third coaxial element.

ll. In a mining machine, the combination including flexible feeding means including a plurality of flexible feeding portions extending oppositely laterally from the opposite ends of a machine during cutting across a face, rotatable members operatively engaging said portions, and mechanism for con trolling the rotation of said members including a plurality of. coaxial elements, a plurality of which provide coaxial portions and another of which provides orbitally moving means which constitutes a connecting means between said coaxial portions, operative connections bet-ween 0 ie of said coaxial elements and one of saitL members, distinct operative connections between another of said coaxial elements and another of said members, means for retarding the rotation of one of said last mentioned coaxial elements, and a reversible power connection with the third coaxial ele ment. 7

42. In a mining machine, the combination including flexible feeding means including a plurality of flexible feeding portions extending oppositely laterally from the opposite ends of a machine during cutting across a face, rotatable members operatively engaging said portions, and mechanism for controlling the rotation of said members includa plurality of coaxial elements, a plurality of which provide coaxial portions and another of which provides orbitally moving means which constitutes a connecting means between said coaxial portions, operative connections between one of said coaxial elements and one of said members, distinct operative connections between another of said coaxial elements and another of said members, means for retarding the rotation of either of said two last mentioned coaxial elements, and a reversible power connection with the third coaxial element.

as. In a mining machine, the combination including flexible feeding means including a plurality of flexible feeding portions extendoppositely laterally from the opposite ends of a machine during cutting across a face, rotatable members operatively engaging said portions, and mechanism for controlling the rotation of said members including a plurality of coaxial elements, a plurality of which provide coaxial portions and another of which provides orbitally moving means which constitutes a connecting means between said coaxial portions, operative connections between one of said coaxial elements and one of said members, distinct operative connections between another of said coaxial elements and another of said members, and a power connection with the third coaxial element including fast and slow speed driving connections therefor.

44. In a mining machine, the combination including flexible feeding means including a plurality of flexible feeding portions extending oppositely laterally from the opposite ends of a machine during cutting across a face, rotatable members operatively engaging said portions, and mechanism for controlling the rotation of said members including a plurality of coaxial elements, a plurality of which provide coaxial portions and another of which provides orbitally moving means which constitutes a connectiong means between said coaxial portions, operative connections between one of said coaxial elements and one of said members, distinct operative connections between another of said coaxial elements and another of said members, means for retarding the rotation of one of said last mentioned coaxial elements, and power connections with the third coaxial element including fast and slow speed driving connections therefor.

45. In a mining machine, the combination including flexible feeding means including a plurality of flexible feeding portions extending oppositely laterally from the opposite ends of a machine during cutting across face, rotatable members operatively engaging said portions, and mechanism for controlling the rotation of said members including a plurality of coaxial elements, a plurality of which provide coaxial portions and another of which provides orbitally moving means which constitutes a connecting means between said coaxial portions, operative connections between one of said coaxial elements and one of said members, distinct operative connectionsbetween another of said coaxial elements and another of said members, means for retarding the rotation of either of said two last mentioned coaxial elements, and power connections with the third coaxial element including fast and slow speed driving con.- nections therefor.

46. In a mining machine, the combination including flexible feeding means including a plurality of flexible feeding portions extending oppositely laterally from the opposite ends of the machine during cutting across a face, rotatable members operatively engaging said portions, and mechanism for controlling the rotation of said members including three coaxial elements, two providing coaxial gears and the third orbitally moving gear means constituting a connection between said coaxial gears, operative connections between one of said coaxial elements and one of said members, distinct operative connections between another of said coaxial elements and another of said members, and a power connection with the third coaxial element.

47. In a mining machine, the combination including flexible feeding means including a plurality of flexible feeding portions extending oppositely laterally from the opposite ends of the machine during cutting across a face, rotatable members operatively engaging said portions, and mechanism for. controlling the rotation of said members including three coaxial elements, two providing coaxial gears and the third orbitally moving gear means constituting a connection between said coaxial gears, operative connections between one of said coaxial elements and one of said members, distinct operative connections between another of said coaxial elements and another of said members, and reversible power connections with the third coaxial element.

' 48. In a mining machine, the combination including flexible feeding means including a plurality of flexible feeding portions extending oppositely laterally from the opposite ends of the machine during cutting across a face, rotatable members operatively engaging said portions, and mechanism for controlling the rotation of said members including three coaxial elements, two providing coaxial gears and the third orbitally moving gear means constituting aconnection between said coaxial gears, operative connections between one of said coaxial elements and one of said members, distinct operative connections between another of said coaxial elements and another of said members, and fast and slow speed power connections with the third coaxial element.

t9. In a mining machine, the combination including flexible feeding means including a plurality of flexible feeding portions extending oppositely laterally from the opposite ends of the machine during cutting across a face, rotatable members operatively engaging said portions, and mechanism for controlling the rotation of said members including three coaxial elements, two providing coaxial gears and the third orbitally moving gear means having teeth moving at equal angular rates constituting a connection between said coaxial gears, operative connections between one of said coaxial elements and one of said members, distinct operative connections between another of said coaxial elements and another of said members, and a power connection with the third eoaxialelement.

50. In a mining machine, the combination including flexible feeding means including a plurality of flexible feeding portions extending oppositely laterally from the opposite ends of the machine during cutting across a face, rotatable members operatively engaging said portions, and mechanism for controlling the rotation of said members including three coaxial elements, two providing coaxial gears and the third orbitally moving gear means having teeth moving at equal angular rates constituting a connection between said coaxial gears, operative connections between one of said coaxial elements and one of said members, distinct operative connections between another of said coaxial elements and another of said members, and reversible power connections with the third coaxial element.

51. In a mining machine, the combination including flexible feeding means including a plurality of flexible feeding portions extending oppositely laterally from the opposite ends of the machine during cutting across a face, rotatable members operatively engaging said portions, and mechanism for controlling the rotation of said members including three coaxial elements, two providing coaxial gears and the third orbitally moving gear means having teeth moving at equal angular rates constituting a connection between said coaxial gears, operative connections between one of said coaxial elements and one of said members, distinct operative connections between another of said coaxial elements and another of said members, and fast and slow speed power connections with the third coaxial element.

52. In a mining machine, the combination including flexible feeding means including a plurality of flexible feeding portions extending oppositely laterally from the opposite ends of the machine during cutting across a face, rotatable members operatively engaging said portions, and mechanism for controlling the rotation of said members including three coaxial elements, two providing coaxial gears and the third orbitally moving gear means having teeth moving at equal angular rates constituting a connection between said coaxial gears, operative connections between one of said coaxial el ments and one of said members, distinct operative connections between another of said coaxial elements and another of said members, means for retarding the rotation of one of the two last mentioned coaxial elements, and a power connection with the third coaxial element.

53. In a mining machine, the combination including flexible feeding means including a plurality of flexible feeding portions extending oppositely laterally from the opposite ends of the machine during cutting across a face, rotatable members operatively engaging said portions, and mechanism for controlling the rotation of said members including three coaxial elements, two providing coaxial gears and the third orbitally moving gear means having teeth moving at equal angular rates constituting a connection between said coaxial gears, operative connections between one of said coaxial elements and one of said members, distinct operative connections between another of said coaxial elements and another of said members, means for retarding the rotation of one of the two last men tioned coaxial elements, and reversible power connections with the third coaxial element.

54. In a mining machine, the combination including flexible feeding means including a plurality of flexible feeding portions extending oppositely laterally from the opposite ends of the machine during cutting across a face, rotatable members operatively engaging said portions, and mechanism for controlling the rotation of said members including three coaxial elements, two providing co axial gears and the third orbitally moving gear means having teeth moving at equal angular rates constituting a connection between said coaxial gears, operative connections between one of said coaxial elements and one of said members. distinct operative connections between another of said coaxial elements and another of said members, means for retarding the rotation of one of the two last mentioned coaxial elements, and fast and slow speed power connections with the third coaxial element.

55. In a mining machine, the combination including flexible feeding means including a plurality of flexible feeding port-ions extending oppositely laterally from the oppoite ends of the machine during cutting across a face, rotatable members operatively engaging said portions, and mechanism for controlling the rotation of said members including three coaxial elements, two providing coaxial gears and the third orbitally moving gear means having teeth moving equal angular rates constituting a connection between said coaxial gears, operative connections between one of said coaxial elements and one of said members, distinctoperative connections between another of said coaxial elements and another of said members, means for retarding the rotation of either of said two last mentioned coaxial elements including adjustable frictional retarding 11 cans, and a power connection with the third co axial element.

56. In a mining machine, the combination including flexible feeding means including a plurality of flexible feeding portions extencing oppositely laterally from the opposite ends of the machine during cutting across a face, rotatable members operatively engaging said portions, and mechanism for controlling the rotation of said members including three coaxial elements, two providing coaxial gears and the third orbitally moving gear means having teeth moving at equal angular rates constituting a connection between sait coaxial gears, operative connections between one of said coaxial elements and one of said members, distinct operative connections between another of said coaxial elements and another of said members, means for retarding the rotation of either of said two last mentioned coaxial elements including adjustable frictional retarding means, and reversible power connections with the third coaxial element.

5'7. In a mining machine, the combination including flexible feeding means including a plurality of flexible feeding portions extend ing oppositely laterally from the opposite ends of the machine during cutting across a face, rotatable members operatively engaging said portions, and mechanism for controlling the rotation of said members including three coaxial elements, two providing coaxial gears and the third orbitally moving gear means having teeth moving at equal angular rates constituting a connection between said coaxial gears, operative connections between one of said coaxial elements and one of said members, distinct operative connections between another of said coaxial elements and another of said members, means for retarding the rotation of either of said two last mentioned coaxial elements including adj ustable frictional retarding means, and fast and slow speed power connections with the third coaxial element.

58. The combination with a mining machine of the type slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom and having cutting mechanism thereon, of a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a motor, a differential operatively connected with said motor and includ ing elements movable in an orbit upon transmission of power thereto by said motor, and driving connections between said differential and said feed operating member including a brake operative on application to retard the rotation of said operating member.

59. The combination with a mining machine, of cutting mechanism, feed operating mechanism including relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members together controlling the rate of feed and the direction of said machine as a whole and means for rotating said members either simultaneously at speeds which vary in inverse ratio, or separately, including a differential including elements movable in an orbit upon transmission of power thereto by said motor, and means for driving said differential at different speeds and in different directions including a train driven from said cutting mechanism and a high speed train independent of said cutting mechanism.

60. The combination with a mining machine, of cutting mechanism, feed operating mechanism including relatively rotatable feed operating and controlling members together controlling the rate of feed and the direction of said machine as a whole and means for rotating said members either simultaneously at speeds which vary in inverse ratio, or separately, including a differential including elements movable in an orbit upon transmission of power thereto by said motor, and means for driving Said differential at different speeds and in different directions including a train driven from said cutting mechanism and a high speed train independent of said cutting mechanism and a friction mechanism controlling each train.

61. The combination with a mining machine, of feed operating means thereon including a motor and a differential including elements movable in an orbit upon transmission of power thereto by said motor, worm and worm gear driving mechanism for said differential, and means driven by said motor for rotating said worm at difierent speeds and in different directions including a plurality of drive trains.

62. In a mining machine, the combination including flexible feeding means including a plurality of flexible feeding portions extending oppositely from the opposite ends of the machine during cutting across a face, rotatable means operatively engaging said portions, and means for controlling the rotation thereof including means operative on retardation of the rotation of one of said members to increase the speed of rotation of the other of said members automatically and proportionately.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

MORRIS P. HOLMES. 

